Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef chuck roast or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 finely sliced white onion
5 cloves garlic
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 stick cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Water or beef broth
Tortillas (corn or flour)

Instructions

Season the Beef: Start by generously seasoning the beef cubes with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic, onion, and bay leaves. This blend of spices is what gives Quesabirria Tacos their distinctive flavor.

Cook to Perfection: Cover the seasoned beef with just enough beef broth or water and bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. The goal is to achieve meat that’s so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

Shred and Dip: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the liquid and shred it with two forks. Don’t discard the liquid, as it becomes a savory dipping sauce that’s crucial to the Quesabirria experience.

Assemble the Tacos: Dip the tortillas in the hot meat liquid to soften them. Then, fill them with the shredded beef and your favorite taco toppings. For an authentic touch, add a generous amount of cheese before folding the tortillas over.

Crisp and Serve: For that irresistible crunch, cook the filled tacos aon a hot skillet until they’re golden and crispy. Before serving, give them one last dip in the beef juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Meat Selection: Opt for a cut of beef that’s well-marbled with fat, such as chuck roast or brisket, as it will render down and become tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process.

Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Adding a bit more chili powder or a dash of smoked paprika can introduce additional depth to the flavor profile.

Broth Use: The broth left from cooking the meat is liquid gold. It can be served on the side as a dipping sauce (consommé) for your tacos, elevating the eating experience with added juiciness and flavor.

Tortilla Choice: While corn tortillas are traditional and offer a distinct taste and texture, flour tortillas can also be used for a softer bite. Experiment to find your personal preference.

Crisping the Tacos: For an extra layer of texture, lightly fry the assembled tacos before serving. This step adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat filling.

For Cheesy Mozzarella Bites:

Freezing the Cheese: Before breading and frying, consider freezing the cheese bites for about 20-30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the hot oil, ensuring a gooey center with a crispy exterior.

Breadcrumb Options: For an added flavor kick, use seasoned breadcrumbs or mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with plain breadcrumbs. This small adjustment can significantly enhance the taste.

Serving Sauce: These bites pair wonderfully with a range of dipping sauces. Marinara is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to try ranch, barbecue, or even a spicy aioli to keep things interesting.

Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature (around 350°F) is crucial for frying. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside is gooey; too cool, and the bites absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Cooking in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Cooking in small batches ensures that each bite cooks evenly and the oil temperature remains stable.

These additional notes and tips are designed to enhance your cooking experience, providing you with the confidence and knowledge to create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing Quesabirria Tacos or Cheesy Mozzarella Bites, remember that cooking is an art form where creativity and experimentation are encouraged. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcomes!